Independent Ale House has transformed the downtown craft beer and pizza scene in Rapid City since opening. 🍕
This locally-owned establishment, owned by Justin Henrichsen, combines an impressive selection of craft beers on 28+ rotating taps with handcrafted pizzas featuring unexpected flavor combinations.
With creative pizzas like Bob’s Poppers, topped with jalapenos and raspberry preserve, and The Hasselhoff cheeseburger pizza, Independent Ale House proves that innovation and quality can coexist deliciously.
How Independent Ale House won Rapid City’s hearts
The journey to becoming Rapid City’s premier craft beer destination began with owner Justin Henrichsen’s vision of creating a true tap room experience in downtown.
When Independent Ale House opened as the first real tap room in Rapid City, it immediately filled a gap in the local dining scene by offering an oasis for beer aficionados seeking quality craft selections. 🌟
What truly captured hearts was the restaurant’s creative approach to handcrafted pizza in South Dakota that pushed beyond traditional toppings into adventurous territory.
The Mashed Potato Pizza, topped with garlic red mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, green onions, cheese blend, and a dollop of sour cream, became an instant legend that customers describe as surprisingly delicious. ✨
Diners appreciated that every pizza featured thin, crisp crust with fresh basil adding bright herbal notes to classic combinations like pepperoni and sausage.
Special offerings like “Late Nite Bites” are available Friday and Saturday nights from 9 pm to midnight—featuring pizza by the slice paired with Surly lagers—catered to the after-hours crowd seeking quality food beyond typical bar fare.
The combination of 28 amazing taps, creative gourmet pizza offerings, gluten-free and vegan options, excellent service, and a modern rustic atmosphere transformed Independent Ale House from a new restaurant into a Rapid City institution that earned its #1 ranking three years running.
Food Highlights
- Spicy Chicken Pizza: Spicy BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, smoked gouda, and cheese blend finished with fresh cilantro delivers bold flavors with a kick.
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Mashed Potato Pizza: Garlic red mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, green onions, and cheese blend topped with a dollop of sour cream create the restaurant’s most popular signature pizza.
- The Hasselhoff (Cheeseburger Pizza): Ketchup, yellow mustard, ground hamburger, shredded cheddar cheese, onion, tomato, and pickle.
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Thai Pizza (Dub’s Thai): Peanut sauce, garlic, cheese blend, spinach, coconut, carrots, red onion, mushrooms, and garam masala spice bring authentic Thai flavors to pizza form.
- The Pickle Pizza: Homemade ranch sauce, cheese blend, Canadian bacon, cream cheese, and dill pickle, topped with Miss Vickie’s Spicy Dill Pickle Chips, creates an unexpectedly delicious flavor combination.
- Taco Pizza: Garlic, cheese blend, ground beef, black olive, tomato, onion, jalapeño, and cheddar baked then topped with lettuce, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex pizza experience.
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3 Little Pigs: Tomato sauce, cheese blend, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon combine in this beloved meat-lover’s creation that the restaurant proudly labels “an Indy Favorite” on the menu.
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Bob’s Popper: Ranch sauce, cheese blend, jalapeño, bacon, cream cheese, and raspberry preserves replicate the beloved jalapeño popper appetizer as a full pizza with sweet and spicy notes throughout.
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Lucky Luciano: Tomato sauce, cheese blend, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled gorgonzola, chicken, and Kalamata olives create a sophisticated Italian-inspired pizza with bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Carnivore: Tomato sauce, cheese blend, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and ground beef topped with cheddar cheese satisfies serious meat lovers seeking maximum protein.
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Five-O: BBQ sauce, cheese blend, crumbled bacon, fresh pineapple, and fresh jalapeño deliver the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy in this Hawaiian-inspired creation with a kick.
Atmosphere
The modern rustic interior features exposed brick walls, dark wood accents, high-top tables, and booth seating that creates an inviting downtown taproom experience. 🏛️
Large front windows flood the space with natural light during daytime hours, while the slender taproom design maintains an intimate feel even when busy with weekend crowds.
The multiple TVs throughout create the perfect atmosphere for watching games with friends over handcrafted food and rotating craft selections.
Bottom Line
Experience the #1 craft beer bar in South Dakota three years running and enjoy creative handcrafted pizzas like Mashed Potato and Pickle-topped creations.
Explore 28+ rotating taps featuring local, regional, and top-tier craft breweries.
Savor gluten-free and vegan options and discover downtown Rapid City’s best pizza and beer pairing destination in a modern rustic setting. 🎯
Address:
625 St Joseph St, Rapid City, SD 57701
📞 (605) 718-9492
🕔 Mon-Sun 11 AM–9 PM